Tuesday, February 14, 2017

“For the first time, MPA has produced a Trend Analysis of Magazine Media 360°Audiences from launch through December 2016,” said Linda Thomas Brooks, president and CEO, MPA—The Association of Magazine Media. “This analysis shows that audiences of the printed and digital editions of magazine brands are not only the largest piece of the total audience pie, but they have unquestionably endured over the past two and a half years.”
The Trend Analysis of Magazine Media 360° shows that Mobile Web audiences are rapidly growing as the second largest platform. Video, while also growing by double-digit percentage rates, still remains the smallest platform. The only reported magazine media platform that has declined is Web (Desktop/Laptop) as consumers are spending more time on portable devices than computers.

This week, Ken Harding Senior Managing Director and Global Publishing Practice Leader for FTI Consulting answers 4 questions with responses that span his thoughts on emerging trends in the industry, on to the many opportunities he sees for MPA member publishers to succeed.

Lucinda Southern writes: "Over the year, it has grown social media followers by 25 percent to now reach 44 million across platforms, mostly Facebook, Snapchat, Twitter and LinkedIn. It has seen a surge of subscribers, first after Brexit and more recently after Donald Trump’s election. In the last year, digital subs have grown by nearly 14 percent from 303,500 to 345,500. (The Economist’s overall subscription base is 1.5 million.)"

Meredith, publisher of brands such as Better Homes & Gardens, Eating Well, Parents and Family Circle, achieved an interesting milestone recently. The company reached an inflection point where its digital advertising growth outpaced print advertising declines, according to Jon Werther, president of Meredith’s National Media Group.

Timed to coincide with magazine's 50th anniversary - The first release will be an illustrated volume celebrating the magazine’s 50th anniversary and highlighting the coverage of New York City. The book will be divided into such themes as “Power,” “Families” and “Neighborhoods.” Simon & Schuster president and publisher Jonathan Karp praised the magazine’s “exciting, vibrant and memorable journalism.”

Talk of the Town! Q&A with Stellene Volandes on the New Town & Country

Paige Reddinger: "When she was appointed editor in chief of the 170-year-old Hearst glossy in March 2016, she had already been the magazine’s executive style director for the past two years. Plus, with eight years at Departures, three years at Vogue, and a master’s in English lit from Columbia—she was an obvious choice. And did we mention she’s a jewelry guru with a recently published tome by Rizzoli?"

Special Report: Research Shows Opportunities and Threats of Distributed Content for Publishers

Q&A with Saj Pothiawala, senior producer for news video at Hearst Digital Media: From acquisitions to new hires, Hearst has stayed extremely proactive and visible the past year. In November, the company took over CAMP Systems International Inc., and just last month purchased publishing company The Pioneer Group.

For the past three years, collaboration has been the mantra at Hearst as it pushes its historically rival magazine brands including Cosmopolitan and Esquire to share content to meet digital media’s demand for scale.

At 23, Alyssa Fiorentino’s biggest win so far as social media manager of Delish has been “getting the job.” But don’t let her humble response fool you. She currently heads the brand’s Facebook page and, at 10 million likes, it’s Hearst Digital Media’s most-liked page.

Join us in Marina del Rey for the 13th Annual IMAG Conference. The IMAG community is best defined as brands serving enthusiast audiences across many platforms, brought together by their passion for a particular topic or lifestyle. Each year senior executives from independent media brands attend the Annual Conference to explore new opportunities for their companies and brands and share what’s working and what’s not with their business peers.
Book your reservation as follows:
Online: Marina del Rey Marriott to secure our special rate of $249.00 per night.
By Phone: Call 1-310-301-3000 and ask for the IMAG Conference rate at the Marina del Rey Marriott.